The Gist The Wars Trump Says He Ended, and the One Cheney Began
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Nov 4, 2025 Matthew Hiltzik, a veteran media strategist and founder of Hiltzik Strategies, dives into the intricacies of political communications and New York politics. He critiques Chuck Schumer's outdated press strategies and highlights the importance of local outreach. Hiltzik praises Trump's Middle East diplomacy while scrutinizing his claims about ending wars. He shares insights from Hillary Clinton's 2000 campaign, especially her engagement with Hasidic women, and discusses the complicated legacy of Dick Cheney, centered on the Iraq invasion.
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Trump's 'Seven Wars' Claim Is Overstated
- Mike Pesca analyzes Trump's repeated claim he ended seven or eight wars and finds many of them exaggerated or misleading.
- He highlights Kosovo-Serbia normalization, Congo, and others as examples where credit is overstated or outcomes remain violent.
Kosovo-Serbia 'Peace' Predates Trump
- Mike Peska points out the April 2023 Serbia-Kosovo normalization predates Trump's recent claims of credit.
- He notes the 2023 agreement and later trade steps, but argues this is not a full peace resolution.
Congo Violence Continued Despite Diplomatic Meetings
- Pesca emphasizes the ongoing violence in eastern Congo despite White House meetings between leaders.
- He argues presidential meetings did not produce a halt to killings or lasting peace.